Lymphatic Drainage: Who to See and Why
Written By Leah Morrow
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a technique designed to make optimal use of the lymphatic system in healing, and in the treatment of a range of health dysfunctions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema and after surgery.
When you’re considering Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), knowing who to see can be just as important as understanding the treatment itself.
As a women’s health physiotherapist, I’m conscious that when someone books in with me for a specialist treatment, they’re putting their trust in me. That’s one of the reasons I’m on the MLD UK Register.
For me, being registered isn’t about collecting another qualification or adding letters to my name. It’s about being able to demonstrate that I’ve completed recognised training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and that I’m committed to working safely, professionally and within my scope of practice.
Why does this matter?
There are lots of practitioners offering lymphatic drainage, and qualifications, training and experience can vary.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that one practitioner is better than another. However, I do think it’s important that patients understand what training their practitioner has undertaken and feel able to ask questions before treatment. MLDUK requires 130 hours of tuition and study, including practical skill to be learned through face-to-face tuition from recognised institutions. This also includes ongoing education and training thereafter qualifications ensure clinical skills are up to date.
MLD can be used in a variety of situations, and an appropriate assessment is an important part of deciding whether it is suitable for you. A practitioner should be able to explain why they are recommending treatment, what they are hoping to achieve and whether any further assessment or referral is needed.
Being on the MLD UK Register gives patients another way to check a practitioner’s credentials and make a more informed decision about their care.
What should you look for when choosing a practitioner?
When looking for someone to provide MLD, I’d encourage you to consider:
What professional qualifications do they hold?
What specific training have they completed in Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Do they have experience relevant to your particular reason for seeking treatment?
Are they registered with an appropriate professional or specialist register?
Are they able to assess you first and explain whether MLD is appropriate?
Do you feel comfortable asking questions about your treatment?
For me, these questions are particularly important when providing specialist treatments within women’s health.
As a physiotherapist, professional standards, accountability and patient safety are paramount. Additional specialist training should complement those foundations rather than replace them.
Ultimately, it’s about feeling confident in your care
Choosing a healthcare professional can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when there are lots of different practitioners offering similar treatments.
You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable asking about someone's qualifications, training or experience. A good practitioner should be happy to explain their background and help you understand why a particular treatment has been recommended.
I’ll always encourage patients to ask questions, check qualifications and make sure they feel comfortable with the person looking after them.
Because ultimately, feeling confident in your healthcare professional matters.